Black Elephant Hostel

It's been about 40 years since I last stayed in a youth hostel, so this was a wonderful surprise. The room and shared bathrooms were clean and modern. Staff and managers at the desk were upbeat, friendly, and welcoming. There was plenty of street parking, and the location was fantastic, a block from DukFat and Eventide seafood near the waterfront. It made a great base for seeing the tourist spots. A great stay for a solo traveler!

I didn't take photos, but I had an excellent stay and no complaints. The lobby was welcoming and comfortable, a nice place to relax or chat with travelers arriving and leaving. Mornings had complimentary coffee and tea while supplies lasted, and the blend was surprisingly good. The artwork gave each room its own character, and there was an outdoor spot to enjoy on warm mornings or afternoons. Bathrooms and showers were plentiful and well kept, making things convenient. Staff were approachable, knew their stuff, and were ready to help. I'd gladly recommend the place to other travelers.

The one thing I'd change is the lack of privacy curtains on the lower bunks. When someone comes in and turns on the lights, it can disturb a person trying to sleep, and changing clothes isn't very private either. The reception staff were friendly and helpful. I left a couple of belongings behind, and they called to let me know; since I wasn't far away, I went back to pick them up. The location made it easy to walk to the waterfront, attractions, bars, bakeries, shops, and grocery stores. This hostel has a mood of its own that seems to suit tired travelers. Management has thought of almost everything, from the changing wall and floor designs to the really clean hallways and rooms. Even the kitchen knives were sharp enough to slice onions easily. How many hostels can say that? Go Black Elephant!

Portland, Maine has made my top three favorite American cities. I’ve been to 49 states and more than 30 countries, and I hope that count keeps growing. This hostel sits right in the middle of a downtown I really like, and the city felt clean without that pee smell you get in some places. The stairs are wide, slip resistant, and up to code, though there’s no elevator. I’ve never had a hostel bed, blanket, or pillows this comfortable. I thought hostel pillows were all supposed to be flat and sad, so I’m not sure how they got around that rule. The staff were warm and friendly. Most of the bathrooms had good space and ADA features. The Vampire bathroom looked like a bit much for my fat, crippled self. Bravo, well done.